Jaguars Free Agency Update

     After a wild weekend of speculation and “anonymous” reports regarding free agency, it appears that the Jaguars have missed out on Ndamukong Suh, Randall Cobb and Jeremy Maclin. That’s the bad news. The good news is they are “expected” to sign a few very good players.

     Everyone knew that tight end was a position that the Jaguars needed to upgrade. It appears that the Jaguars have made a major upgrade, in Julius Thomas. Thomas is a big, fast receiving tight end, who has helped the Broncos passing attack by catching 24 touchdowns in the last two seasons. He should provide Blake Bortles with some comfort and stability at the position. The most shocking thing about Thomas being on the open market, is that he is only 25 years old. This makes the Jaguars passing attack much more dangerous, and difficult to game plan for. If the Jaguar keep Marcedes Lewis on the roster this year, it would create matchup nightmares for defensive coordinators. Just imagine, two tight ends that are both over 6’5’’ tall running down (so… it might appear that Marcedes is actually jogging in place, but so what) the seam with a linebacker and a safety trying to cover them. This was a huge move for the Jaguars, but this was not the only position of need that the Jaguars were able to upgrade. 

     According to “reports”, it appears that the Jaguars are expected to sign Jermey Parnell. Parnell is a 6’6’’, 305 pound right tackle, who will come in and start for the Jaguars immediately. He started the last four games for the Dallas Cowboys in 2014 and earned a +8.7 overall grade, not allowing one sack. It is crucial, for the Jaguars, that Bortles has more time to throw the ball; signing Parnell will help the Jaguars insure that he does. Parnell, who is only 28 years old, is another player that should help Blake find consistency, and solidify the right side of the offensive line. These two players are in the prime of the career and fill positions of need. The Jaguars did agree to terms with a player who is not at a perceived position of need.

     Many fans think that the Jaguars are set at defensive tackle. Roy Miller and Sen’ Derrick Marks had great seasons last year, but they both had lower body injuries. There is no guarantee that they will be as effective as they were last year, in the future. This is likely why the Jaguars have agreed to terms with former Dolphins defensive tackle, Jared Odrick. Like Thomas and Parnell, Odrick is in the prime of his career at only 27 years old. He does not have flashy numbers, but he does have flashy hair. He is a consistent player that can hold up the interior of the defensive line, and take on double teams. He will help provide depth and might even start for the Jaguars next season. 

     Parnell, had a teammate in Dallas, that you may have heard of… DeMarco Murray, who happened to lead the NFL in rushing last year.. yeah that guy, he is rumored to be close to a deal with the Jaguars. Murray, like the other three free agents the Jaguars are expected to bring in, is in the prime of his career. At 27 years old, it appears that Murray still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Murray, also is an exceptional receiver out of the backfield. If the Jaguars are able to bring in the leagues leading rusher from a season ago, this could be the most impactful free agent class the Jaguars have ever had. All of these moves has Generation Jaguar very excited! What say you, DUVAL?

View image | gettyimages.com